Prestolite Performance Expands Sales Team

CLEVELAND, May 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Prestolite Performance, a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of brands including Mr. Gasket, ACCEL, Lakewood and Mallory, recently broadened its sales team with the addition of Craig Stark as vice president of sales and Michael Grimes as director of retail sales. The company has also appointed Bob Bruegging the vice president of business development.

"We are committed to long-term growth that exceeds the industry average and these recent developments will enable us to meet that expectation," said Scott Fox, Prestolite Performance's president.  "With these new team members, we can increase our presence in the marketplace and expand our innovative product offerings for each brand in our portfolio."

As head of the sales team, Stark brings more than three decades of aftermarket experience with his previous executive position at Corteco, which services specialty channel automatic transmission repair. He will be responsible for planning, implementing and driving sales with a short- and long-term strategic mindset.

"Prestolite Performance's priority is to remain customer centric and market needs driven," said Stark. "My goal is to focus on customer service through increased communication to distribution channels and more aggressive new product delivery."

In addition to Stark's extensive professional history, he is a true auto enthusiast.

"I am a motorsports fan to the bone," said Stark. "Combine that with my new role here at Prestolite Performance and the unique opportunity to work with various people in the industry, it does not get any better than that!"

To further develop its leadership position in the performance aftermarket, Prestolite Performance has appointed Bruegging to vice president of business development. Bruegging has worked with the company's brands including Mr. Gasket in several executive positions for more than 20 years.

A pillar in the automotive aftermarket community, Bruegging will be able to capitalize on his deep understanding of the industry and the company to create new business opportunities in this role. He will focus on finding new business ventures through distribution, acquisitions and partnerships. 

"Prestolite Performance is committed to investing in the business," said Bruegging. "More than ever, we are focused on expanding our business and elevating our brands – both domestically and internationally. As a result, we are looking to collaborate with smaller entrepreneurial companies with great ideas and products that could take advantage of Prestolite Performance's extensive distribution capabilities."

The auto parts manufacturer rounds out the sales team with Grimes as the new director of retail sales. With more than 20 years of automotive experience, Grimes will be working with Prestolite Performance's retail accounts and continuing successful partnerships to exceed sales and productivity objectives.

Before joining the team, Grimes previously served as a director at Dorman Products as well as director for Tenneco Automotive. Now, he will focus on retail partners to provide a single point of contact.

"We are continually working to evolve as a company and as a market leader within the automotive performance aftermarket industry," said Fox. "These new members will help move our sales efforts forward with a fresh perspective and provide new ways to drive business growth. It has been a great start to the year and this is an exciting time for the company."

About Prestolite Performance

Prestolite Performance is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of auto racing, performance and appearance products. Prestolite Performance markets its products under well-recognized and respected brands including:

• Mr. Gasket - A legendary name in performance auto parts, Mr. Gasket provides a variety of quality racing products including engine components, Ultra-Seal gaskets, fasteners, fuel accessories, suspension and drive train components, chrome-plated accessories and accessories for cooling systems and more.
• ACCEL – All enthusiasts, from the novice to experienced racer, depend on ACCEL's line of high performance ignition systems and components that includes digital fuel injection systems, fuel injectors, coils, distributors, caps, rotors, ignition wires and spark plugs.
• Lakewood Industries – One of the most trusted brands for safety bellhousings, Lakewood specializes in manufacturing bellhousings, suspension products and chassis components for enthusiasts that desire quality, value and state-of-the-art performance.
• Mallory Ignition – With a legacy of quality almost as old as the automobile, Mallory Ignition is a premium brand targeting enthusiasts and hard-core racers. The innovative line includes distributors, ignition boxes, coils, fuel pumps, regulators and starters.

For more information, visit www.prestoliteperformance.com.

SOURCE Prestolite Performance